Interim Superintendent of Schools Proposes Cuts in School Facilities Division

The changes would take effect June 30, when the current fiscal year ends.

By MERISSA GREENTHE LEDGER

Published: Tuesday, February 26, 2013 at 12:01 a.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at 3:39 a.m.

BARTOW | Interim Superintendent of Schools John Stewart presented a plan to the Polk County School Board on Tuesday that will eliminate eight positions in the facilities division.

Stewart also discussed how the district will implement recommendations from the Florida Association of District School Superintendents on realigning duties for administrators and adjusting job titles. The move is expected to save the district $699,017. The board will take action on the staff changes at a later date.

Greg Rivers, the district's senior director of facilities, said a lack of funding and construction throughout the district has led to a need for fewer employees.

Four of the eight positions eliminated in the facilities division are in management and the annual salaries range from $66,540 to $102,047.

Chief among the FADSS recommendations was assigning area directors across the district to provide better supervision for schools. Five senior directors for elementary, middle and high schools would be reclassified as area directors.

Some administrators would have their positions adjusted as a result of the study. For instance, Paula Leftwich, the senior director of K-12 curriculum and instruction would become the director of K-5 elementary curriculum and instruction. The downgrade in position will save the district $21,568.

Denny Dunn, assistant superintendent of human resources, said the changes would take effect June 30, when the current fiscal year ends.

The discussion included giving bonuses to principals at schools that show increased proficiency in reading and math. Stewart proposes funding the bonuses from a $1.2 million grant from the federal Race to the Top program that rewards states for promoting reform that raises student achievement.

School Board member Hunt Berryman said he welcomes the incentive program. "They are the one person who can make a difference," he said.

Other board members want to see a more detailed proposal on how the bonuses would be given and what would be required to receive them.

Later Tuesday, district officials held the first of three community forums. They briefed a crowd of more than 30 people on the district budget and changes in class schedules at middle and high schools. The proposed changes would eliminate a period, extend the others, and allow for tutoring and coordinated lesson planning by teachers. The proposal would save the district an estimated $7.2 million.

<p>BARTOW | Interim Superintendent of Schools John Stewart presented a plan to the Polk County School Board on Tuesday that will eliminate eight positions in the facilities division.</p><p>Stewart also discussed how the district will implement recommendations from the Florida Association of District School Superintendents on realigning duties for administrators and adjusting job titles. The move is expected to save the district $699,017. The board will take action on the staff changes at a later date.</p><p>Greg Rivers, the district's senior director of facilities, said a lack of funding and construction throughout the district has led to a need for fewer employees.</p><p>Four of the eight positions eliminated in the facilities division are in management and the annual salaries range from $66,540 to $102,047.</p><p>Chief among the FADSS recommendations was assigning area directors across the district to provide better supervision for schools. Five senior directors for elementary, middle and high schools would be reclassified as area directors.</p><p>Some administrators would have their positions adjusted as a result of the study. For instance, Paula Leftwich, the senior director of K-12 curriculum and instruction would become the director of K-5 elementary curriculum and instruction. The downgrade in position will save the district $21,568.</p><p>Denny Dunn, assistant superintendent of human resources, said the changes would take effect June 30, when the current fiscal year ends. </p><p>The discussion included giving bonuses to principals at schools that show increased proficiency in reading and math. Stewart proposes funding the bonuses from a $1.2 million grant from the federal Race to the Top program that rewards states for promoting reform that raises student achievement.</p><p>School Board member Hunt Berryman said he welcomes the incentive program. "They are the one person who can make a difference," he said.</p><p>Other board members want to see a more detailed proposal on how the bonuses would be given and what would be required to receive them.</p><p>Later Tuesday, district officials held the first of three community forums. They briefed a crowd of more than 30 people on the district budget and changes in class schedules at middle and high schools. The proposed changes would eliminate a period, extend the others, and allow for tutoring and coordinated lesson planning by teachers. The proposal would save the district an estimated $7.2 million.</p>